Cartoon of a growling dog and guy. The boy says, “€œHey! Have you forgotten who feeds you?”

This cartoon is based on Psalm 104:24-30.

My wife got a rude surprise the other day. She wanted to put our dog up for the night, but the pooch didn’t want anything to do with it. Perhaps she was guarding one of her bones, or she just didn’t want to move. Whatever reason, she bit my wife. I had fallen asleep. I awoke to a very angry voice cry, “Bad dog!” Unfortunately, our dog literally bit the hand that fed her.

Psalm 104 paints a beautiful picture of how the Lord provides for us. It says that every creature depends on God for survival. Sometimes, people forget that is just as true for them as it is for the sparrow.

Today, let’s think about all the good and perfect gifts the Lord provides for us.

Cartoon of  two fighting men. They have numerous speach balloons between them. The illustration is based on 2 Timothy 2:14.

“Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.”

As a guy, I have a problem. I like to argue once in a while. It may be because I disagree with someone. Or it could be just because I like to ruffle someone’s feathers. It’s especially tempting to do when I know someone has strong opinions and has a temper.

The verse reminded me that arguing does have consequences. Words can not only hurt, but ruin someone. The next time I’m tempted to argue, I need to remind myself how little value this activity brings.

Cartoon of a surprised boy and a celebrating girl. The girl says, “All my needs for today have been met. Let’s give God a shout-out.”

This cartoon is based on Philippians 4:19.

Have you ever stopped to realize how many of our needs have been met? It gets so easy to think about all the things we don’t have and want. There is no doubt people are struggling to make ends meet. There are big needs in this world.

At the same time, many of us DO have all our needs met by God. We have a tendency to forget that and to focus on our next obsession. When that happens, take some time to realize how God has taken care of you. Then you can focus on how can use you to supply the needs of others worse off.

Let’s give a shout-out to the Lord today!

Cartoon of two guys. One has lipstick on his face. The other says, “You mean all you did was tell the truth? And she kissed you?” The cartoon is based on Proverbs 24:26.

It’s refreshing when someone tells the truth. That isn’t emphasized today. Even in Solomon’s time, a truthful answer was hard to come by.

When you’re faced with a situation where you are tempted to hide the truth, think about how refreshing the truth can be.

Cartoon of  people at a group study. A man says, “The opinions I will express at this Bible study are my own. They do not necessarily reflect those of our church, the pastor or my wife.”

I based this cartoon on Ephesians 4:15

But, speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ— (Ephesians 4:15, New King James Version)

I like to watch the news. But one thing I can’t stand is when angry, belligerent pundits shout out their opinions at those who do not share all of their views.

I’ve learned people won’t listen to me if I am obnoxious and arrogant. They may even agree with me, but not with the way I am presenting myself. Nobody likes to be treated rudely. We all want someone to treat us with respect.

So today, when we have an opinion, let us be sure to speak in love just like the way we want to be treated. Otherwise, we may have to start using the disclaimer technique.

Cartoon of boy choking while girl eats. The girl says, “You didn’t give thanks for your food, did you?”

I based this cartoon on Luke 17:11-19 So Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were there not any found who returned to give glory to God except this foreigner?” And He said to him, “Arise, go your way. Your faith has made you well.” (Luke 17:17-19, New King James Version)

Which is the hardest time to give thanks? Is it when you are in the middle of a trial or when you’ve just had a breakthrough and it feels like you can take on the world? If you’re like me, you may blame God when things are bad and forget to thank Him when things have turned around.

This week, I’m making an effort to show gratitude through each and every situation. I hope to be the one out of the ten that gave thanks. By the way, I thank God I’m able to create a cartoon and share it with you today.

Cartoon of  boy and dad next to broken window. Boy says, “We should give thanks that my baseball is okay.”

I based this cartoon on 1 Thessalonians 5:18

in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
(1 Thessalonians 5:18, New King James Version)

It can be tough to find the silver lining in a situation, can’t it? The car breaks down, you find yourself facing an urgent home repair, or you get some news that tears your soul.

It can be tough to be thankful in every situation. Yet, it helps to know it is God’s will for us to be just that. When we face trials tribulations and just plain stinky days, we can know that God is in control and He will take care of us. In the end, He will make it all work out.

I drew this in Adobe Illustrator CS2

Cartoon of a son and boy at dinner. The son says, “For me, whenever you try a new recipe, it becomes a leap of faith.”

I based this cartoon on Romans 3:27-28

Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. (Romans 3:27-28, New King James Version)

I’ve learned over the years that you can’t please everyone all the time, especially if a person is a picky eater. Let’s face it! You can make the perfect meal that would win awards and deserve a full exposé on the Food Network. But you can’t get a picky eater to consume it if they hate the main ingredient.

It’s similar to the way we are condemned under the Law. We are all prone to be selfish, which causes us to sin under God’s law. We can’t boast because no matter how hard we try to be good, we fail.

That’s why I am thankful that we can be justified by faith. When we trust God, and the sacrifice Jesus made for us, then we are saved.

This cartoon is based on Proverbs 12:22
God can’t stomach liars; he loves the company of those who keep their word. (Proverbs 12:22, The Message)

We see plenty of times when lying gets people in trouble. We have many time where stretching or conveniently ignoring the truth seems like a good idea at the moment. We are all glad we don’t have Pinocchio noses that act as obvious lie detectors.

Yet, when we lie, God hates it. I love how The Message version says he can’t stomach. It makes me realize part of the consequences of lying is it makes God sick.

Today, I’m going to act as if I have that nasal lie detector. Let’s all keep our word and be in good company with God.

Cartoon of two women walking. One woman says, “Have you ever tried not to covet when you’re a the mall? It gave me an anxiety attack.”

This cartoon is based on Exodus 20:17